Date: 28.02.2026

This is to inform all the women of the Region, Diocese, and Parish that the CCBI has approved the Guidelines of the Commission for Women. As per the approved guidelines, the structure to be followed will be organized at the following levels:

  • National Level
  • Regional Level
  • Diocesan Level
  • Parish Level

All concerned members are requested to take note of the same and ensure implementation as per the prescribed structure.

Parish Level

  1. Parish Priest as Chairman
  2. Parish Executive Secretary
  3. Ast.Parish Executive Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. Editor ( write parish women cell news )

Membership

  1. She must be an active member of her parish cell .
  2. If an Executive Committee member does not attend three meetings in a row, and she did not inform the Committee beforehand, and she did not give valid reasons that satisfy a simple majority of the Committee members, then she automatically stops being a member of the Committee.
  3. Regularly contribute the Annual membership fee at Parish level.

THE ELECTION PROCEDURE

1. Attendance register of the parish women cell

Only those members whose names are officially recorded in the attendance register of the Parish Women Cell and who have attended the maximum number of meetings are eligible to contest (stand for election).

This means regular and active members can file nominations.

2. “For positions where there are two or more candidates, voting shall be conducted through a secret ballot.”

  • If only one person is contesting → she is elected automatically (unopposed).
  • If two or more candidates are contesting →

✔ Voting will be done by secret ballot (private voting).
✔ Votes will be counted by the Parish priest’s competent person.
✔ The person who gets the highest number of votes will win.
✔ If there is a tie → another round of voting will be conducted.
✔ If still tied → Parish priest will decide.

Annual General Body meeting of the Diocesan Women’s Commission will be held on 2️8th March at 5 p.m at Bishop ‘s house ,Ghat Gate.

Parish elections can be conducted on 12th April 2026 for the above said posts .

Conclusion

The heart of the Commission for Women lies at the grassroots level. When the Parish Women Cell actively embraces and follows the vision, mission, goals, and core values of the Commission for Women, it contributes directly to the fulfilment of the objectives of the diocesan, regional, and national Commission for Women. These synodal guidelines are designed to reflect and strengthen an already thriving system observed in most of the dioceses across India. The dioceses that are empowered through this framework serve as a roadmap and inspiration for all other dioceses, demonstrating effective practices and innovative approaches to promoting women’s leadership and engagement in the Church and society.

By adhering to these guidelines, every level of the Commission for Women — Parish, Deanery, Diocesan, Regional, and National — can work in harmony to nurture, support, and empower women, ensuring their active participation in the Church’s mission. The Commission for Women, rooted in this collaborative and
synodal approach, seeks to foster a culture of inclusion, service, and leadership that reflects the Gospel values in every community across India.

Neelam Chopra
Commission for Women